Feeling Festive
Or, ideas on what to wear for your holiday and end of year activities, and how to cheer yourself up via your clothes when the days are cold and short days
This year feels like a real holiday season. We actually have some events on the calendar. Doing Christmassy things like going to the Christmas Tree exhibit at our local museum, out for special meals, and to parties with friends all feel like less of a risk. It’s making my heart happy!
And, my soul too, because I love getting dressed up, especially when super fancy and special attire is acceptable, even, recommended!
I’ve talked about the impact that a great outfit can have on my overall mood before, and my mentality of look good, feel good is always so true at this time of year. In New England, it’s starting to get cold (this past week felt like it is truly winter - no more getting away with just fleece jackets and no gloves - I’m starting to dust off my real gear whenever we go outside!), the days are short (even though technically, the days are now starting the process of gradually getting longer and longer, which I am happy about!) and many people are dealing with the stress of the holiday/end of year season.
I have taken great joy in selecting my outfits for holiday festivities this year, and I am taking advantage of everyday opportunities to wear something special (like wearing a velvet bow in my hair almost every day in December!) I think this whole year has been an exercise in celebrating small things and don’t wait to wear/do/say/use something. I love this mentality, I’m fully embracing it, and I wantt to carry it with me into 2023! I’m wearing my favorite outfits out to lunch, using our (newly thrifted!!) Christmas plates for every meal from now through New Year’s Day, doing my hair just because, and having fun experimenting with some of my latest makeup finds. And, the internet tells me that I’m not the only person who feels this way!
Picking a festive outfit that makes you feel great while embracing the holiday season does not require an entire wardrobe rehaul (even though many holiday marketing campaigns might make you feel that way!!) Yes, I am going to share a few (lol, okay, many) pieces I have seen during extensive online browsing (but I will share things at a ton of different price points!!); but also dressing festively around the holidays can be as simple as reaching for your favorite pieces that make you feel great, and adding a fun accessory (or, accessories). Think - a fun headband, a bow for your hair, sparkly earrings, bright lipstick, or fun shoes (side note: these boots are ELITE)! Personally, I love black jeans and a black blouse, or turtleneck, and have been layering with fun holiday sweaters, festive ballet flats, and my aforementioned bow.
I know the holiday season can be hard. Nearly everyone I know - holiday lovers and dreaders alike, experience some level of stress during this season — maybe it’s getting ready for gifts, frantically picking out last-minute gifts (and wrapping them!), finding time to decorate or do any of the other things you want to do, wrapping up a year of work, finding time to actually relax…basically, there is no shortage of stress inducers. In my opinion, it’s all the more reason to feel great about what you’re wearing. Look good = feel good. It can be an instant mood elevator, give you the confidence boost you need, and provide a little extra energy when we’re feeling run-down. Think of taking time to pick out an outfit you love and getting ready as a form of self-care (and recognize that not everyone feels this way and that is totally fine!) When you need a little pick-me-up this season, or you have something in your closet that you’re always waiting for the perfect occasion to wear, or that red lipstick is burning a hole in your makeup drawer — here is your sign to just wear it, feel great, and be festive! And, your permission to wear these things all winter long (not just for a holiday party or on New Years Eve) - I definitely will be!
If you’re in need of a little inspiration, read on for all the pieces that I love, and of course, follow along on instagram where I’ll be sharing the outfits I put together! And, thank you for reading this year! Have a very happy holiday season, and Happy New Year!
Velvet Jumpsuit: Velvet and a jumpsuit. I’m in. Pair with cool earrings and fun shoes and you have an outfit you can wear for many NYE celebrations to come!
Jeweled Earrings: The earring opportunities are endless. At so many different price points, you can pack a lot of punch into your look with a fun pair of earrings. I love these, these, and these (wearable all year round!)!
Metallic Sweater Dress: A great piece to add to your wardrobe be it is so versatile — dress up with heels or a high boot, wear at home with flats (or even slippers!) and a vest thrown on top, even to the office with a blazer over it or a simple belt.
Sparkly Jumpsuit: My jumpsuit obsession knows no end, and this is so fun. Would also be great for a black-tie winter wedding!
Feathered Sweater: A top to elevate your favorite jeans or trousers (or maybe you got on the leather/pleather pant trend this year and need something fun to pair them with!
Ballet Flats: What I mean when I say you don’t have to spend a ton - these flats are $25!
Pearl Fringed Sweater: If you are looking for something more casual, might I point you to this sweater? So fun! I see it with a silk midi skirt and a slingback heel, or with high-waisted jeans? Maybe even over a slip dress? Another similar, but slightly less expensive option here.
Velvet Trousers: Last year I was using Rent the Runway and had a pair of blue velvet trousers that I wore approximately three times a week in November and December. They are well worth it and you will actively seek out opportunities to pull on a pair of pants like these!
Fringe Knit Top: Fringe, crop and feathers all in one - this would looke awesome with a silk midi skirt or again with leather pants.
Sequin Wrap Blouse: Sequins are mainstream this year and this top is size-inclusive and at an accesible price point!
Snake Necklace: I wish I could explain to you why it is that I am obsessed with this, but I cannot. But somehow I can’t stop thinking about this with a black cashmere v-neck sweater, black jeans and knee-high boots. Sigh.
Jeweled Shoulder Sweater: Another casual option if you don’t want a crop! You could pair this with leggings or pjs pants if you are planning a casual night in, or with trousers to the office!
Crystal Belt: Instant oophf to your jeans + sweater combo.
Crystal Trim Dress: I can’t stop with the black mini-dresses. This is just too good. And this one too (but at a higher price point!)
Satin Pants: I love these pants! I’m imagining them paired with an oversized sweater and fun platform heels, or with a festive ballet flat and a spaghetti strap blouse! An outfit you will wear over and over again!
Sequin Jacket: This is a new-to-me brand that makes a pearl sweater with a cult-like following (if you had it, it would be so fun for a holiday look!), but if you are looking for sequins, look no further! Picturing this either over a tank with trousers, or even over a slip dress!
Gold Bodysuit: Another awesome bodysuit that is festive, but also not overly holiday - this would be a fun top to wear out all year round!
Velvet Turtleneck: Ummmm…did you know this brand still existed? This was my dream brand for any sort of dress-up event in high school. Anyways, they are still bringing it with the fun occasion pieces! I think you could wear this sweater all winter long and for seasons to come!
Sheer Bodysuit: This bodysuit is beyond! Pair with black jeans, dark jeans, leather plants or may you went for those party pants??? What an outfit!
Sparkly Gold Pants: The literal definition of party pants. I’m obsessed with these!
Sequin Dress: Another very literal, but SUPER fun take on a party dress! This one is similar and at an even lower price point!
Beaded Sweater: another more casual option that you will reach for over an over again. I love pearl embellishment on a sweater and this sweet peter pan collar!
Sparkly Purse: An accessory you will be happy to have to reach for season after season! I have a sparkly purse from J.Crew that is about 7 years old and I use it for every occasion I have from November - January every year! You don’t have to spend a lot to find something fun! I love this, this, and this!
Rhinestone boots: Obsessed is all I have to say about these.
Sparkly Mini-Dress: I don’t have an occasion to wear this right now, but if I did, I would add this to my cart so fast you have no idea. Can you imagine with these boots???? Or maybe this one? Someone invite me to a wedding this winter please!
Crystal Heels: These would instantly elevate any outfit you have by putting them on, and make you feel festive — heels are a sure way to make me feel “dressed up.” Or, go all out and pair them with a killer sparkly dress.